Community Leadership Program

We're currently taking applications for the 2010-11 Leadership Program that will begin in August. Sign up today! 

• What is the Community Leadership Program?
  
  
• Registration
  
  
• Group Project Ideas
  
  
• CLP Alumni

 
People are not your most important asset. The right people are. The right people are those individuals who fit into your organization and help you accomplish your goals. The same holds true for communities. Those who participate in the Chamber’s Community Leadership Program are invaluable leaders who help shape our region's future and lead us toward a better tomorrow.

Format of the Program:

The Chamber’s CLP is a 9-month series (August - April, with a graduation luncheon in May) designed to expose current and aspiring leaders to the many different aspects of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County; educating them about the community's assets, opportunities, and challenges. Class members have opportunities throughout the year to gain or improve upon existing leadership skills. They also learn where and how they can get involved to help improve the community.

Participants attend half-day sessions once a month focusing on local topics of interest, including Education, Health and Wellness, Government, Public Safety, Workplace Communication and more. The first session is a late afternoon informational and welcome reception. All other sessions are half-day morning sessions, including lunch, held at different locations throughout the city and county.

In addition to the half-day sessions, participants are divided into groups and assigned a project which is intended to further develop knowledge of the community and to cultivate team-building skills. Past projects have ranged from an analysis of the redevelopment efforts for downtown Elkton and fundraising efforts for Our Community Place to the Community Resource Center’s volunteer clearing house and Project Read. The participants unveil their group projects at a graduation ceremony in May.

Since its inception in 1979, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Program has been a great way to make contacts with other professionals in our area. It is an exceptional resource for builiding community awareness and enhancing team leadership skills.

Registration:

Space in the CLP Program is limited so participants are encouraged to register early. To register, click on the link below for a registration form:

• 2010-11 Community Leadership Brochure (includes registration form)

Complete the form and fax or mail it to:

Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce
800 Country Club Road
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Fax: 540-434-4508

Deadline for registration is August 13, 2010. Space is limited, so register early!

Project Ideas?

We are in the process of planning the 2010-11 Community Leadership Program and are looking for project ideas with short term assignments. Does your community organization need help with a project that could be accomplished from late 2009 to May 2010?  Will the project deepen participants’ understanding of the community?  Is there a contact person who can provide guidance and assistance? If so, please send us your project idea.

Project ideas should be submitted to Katey Harbaugh at office@hrchamber.org. Please include a contact name, phone number and email address along with a detailed description of the project including project purpose, desired outcome and estimated time commitment.

For more information concerning the Community Leadership Program or to inquire about this year’s program, contact the Chamber at 540-434-3862.

 

Related Information

• Community Leadership Program Alumni